UK’s most famous shopping street could be pedestrianised

Traffic could soon be banned from part of London’s most popular shopping area, under new plans by the capital’s mayor.

A scheme announced by Sadiq Khan could see a 0.7-mile stretch of Oxford Street – between Oxford Circus and Marble Arch – pedestrianised with the aim of boosting the experience of shoppers, residents, workers and tourists.

The proposal is part of the Labour mayor’s wider regeneration project with the potential for further changes towards Tottenham Court Road.

The potential ban would build on current restrictions which limits vehicle access – apart from buses and taxis – to parts of Oxford Street from 7am to 7pm, except on Sundays.

“Oxford Street was once the jewel in the crown of Britain’s retail sector, but there’s no doubt that it has suffered hugely over the last decade,” Mr Khan said.

“Urgent action is needed to give the nation’s most famous high street a new lease of life.

“I am excited to be working with the new government, and local retailers and businesses, on these plans that will help to restore this famous part of the capital to its former glory, while creating new jobs and economic prosperity for the capital and the country.”

The mayor’s plan depends on him obtaining permission from housing secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who could establish a new Mayoral Development Corporation, which would provide planning powers.

A statutory period of consultation and consideration by the London Assembly is also required.

Mr Khan’s previous attempt to implement a traffic ban was blocked by then-Conservative run Westminster City Council in 2018.

If given the green light this time around, the project is expected to cost around £150m, with City Hall officials hoping it could be paid for by a combination of local businesses, new revenue streams and private funders.

Westminster City Council chief executive Stuart Love said over the last two years the authority has worked with businesses and residents groups to develop a “detailed proposal” to improve Oxford Street without pedestrianisation.

He added that the plans are “shovel ready”, have had the support of retailers and the local community and were “intended to deliver significant economic growth”.

Mr Love continued: “The latest pedestrianisation proposal from the mayor of London was only shared with us last Thursday.

“It will be important to receive further details about what is planned, including how long it could take to be delivered and how the concerns of local residents and users of the street will be addressed.

“We will want to know how they will benefit from any proposals, particularly given the practical challenges pedestrianisation may have for the wider area.”